The FIFA World Cup is a celebration of national pride, but it's the players who make each tournament truly special. As the 2026 edition unfolds, the competition for the Golden Ball, awarded to the tournament's best player, is intensifying.
As of June 29, the odds for the Golden Ball are led by Lionel Messi, who is favored to win at +300. A $10 bet on Messi would yield a total of $40 if he emerges victorious.
FIFA Player of the Tournament Winner 2026
Lionel Messi, Argentina: +300 (bet $10 to win $40 total). In the history of the World Cup, the Golden Ball has been awarded 11 times and Messi is the only player who has won it twice: 2014 (Brazil) and 2022 (Qatar). In Argentina's 2026 opening match, Messi accomplished his first-ever World Cup hat trick, and followed that up with two goals against Austria and a single goal against Jordan.
Kylian Mbappé, France: +500 (bet $10 to win $60 total). Mbappé finished second to Messi for the Golden Ball in 2022, but did win the Golden Boot in Qatar, after scoring eight goals in the tournament. He scored twice in France's opening win over Senegal and then twice against Iraq in France's second match.
Ousmane Dembélé, France: +1000 (bet $10 to win $110 total). A hat trick in France's group-clinching win over Norway on Friday has the reigning Ballon d'Or winner in the thick of things for the Golden Ball.
Michael Olise, France: +1200 (bet $10 to win $130 total). He is starring alongside Mbappé for France in this edition of the World Cup, and against Senegal, he had his first assist of the tournament. He followed that up with two assists against Iraq.
Harry Kane, England: +1400 (bet $10 to win $150 total). Kane won the Golden Boot in Russia in 2018, scoring six goals across the tournament. In England's opening win over Croatia, he found the back of the net twice. He scored once in England's group-closing match against Panama.
Lamine Yamal, Spain: +1400 (bet $10 to win $150 total). The global superstar of the future, Lamal is considered by many to be the next guy to enter the Messi-Ronaldo class. He only played a few minutes in Spain's opening draw against Cape Verde. However, he scored his first World Cup goal in Spain's 4-0 win over Saudi Arabia.
Vini Jr., Brazil: +1600 (bet $10 to win $170 total). The Brazilian superstar had a goal and two assists in his first World Cup back in 2022 in Qatar, and in three matches so far this tournament, Vini has four goals to pace his country.
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